That's AWESOME news!!!  Woohoo!!

Hi Rose;
Welcome to the forum.
Good luck with the referral. You can ask to be put on the wait list for NB (band) as well, but it is my understanding that there is more like a 5 year wait there. You are also able to go to Ontario if you are willing to pay. MSI will (apparently) cover some of the costs, but I believe you are still on the hook for around $10K (this was information I never bothered to verify, so take it with a grain of salt).

I, like Angie had started out looking for the band as well, but after reading up on the band, changed my outlook completely. I was "sleeved" on November 16th and have lost 68lbs (and not exercising anywhere near where I should be at present).

I can tell you that there is nothing "easy" about this choice or procedure, every day it is necessary to reinvent yourself - but I wouldn't change it even if I could.

The actual surgery is relatively short and (other than the fact that they sever approximately 85% of your stomach and suck it out through a hole) really fairly non-invasive.

It hurts, don't kid yourself ... but you have given birth to three kids, you've dealt with plenty of pain, no doubt. It passes fast enough and like labor, you scarcely remember (or maybe it just doesn't matter once you've seen the fruits of that labor).

I do not hesitate to recommend this procedure if one is committed to the whole process (read/the changes required to really make it work for you).

As to the plastic surgery, try to put that to the back of your mind for now. I was worried about it, too ... but I find now I am just enjoying the benefits of easier movement and an over all feeling of success. My skin is behaving fairly well at this stage and I'll deal with the "Sharpei look" if and when I have to - but not until after I reach my goal.

Until then, I have my sights set on the weight loss and changes in my habits.

Best of luck ... prepare yourself for at least a year on the wait list.

Hi Ginny;

I think if I were you, I would err on the side of caution and get in to see somebody right away. I have experienced nausea and discomfort ... even the occasional pain, but certainly not chronically, as it would appear you have.

Honestly, you should be chomping at the bit at this stage to get your face around something like real food ... even though you must, must, must be so careful ...

Start calling Dianna first thing today. If you don't get anywhere with her, call Dr Ellsmere's office(473.1886). Diane may be able to direct you with what to do.

Best of luck ... and keep us posted.

D

I emailed them yesterday and again today. My family doctor called me tonight and suggested i go to out patients tomorrow to see what is going on. Friday night i started with pain along with the nausea i have been having. It went away by Saturday morning but Saturday night it came back with a vengence and it hasnt gone away. It feels like gall bladder pains but i had mine removed years ago. So i dont know whats going on. I was hoping mushies would have help but it hasnt :-( Thanks everyone will keep you updated.

That is great! Do you have Rachel's email that you can pass along to us/me? I am very excited for you!